Singapore PM Lee on medical leave after falling ill during televised speech
A statement from the prime minister’s office said he did not suffer a stroke and that his heart is fine, but that he was feeling unsteady because of prolonged standing, heat and dehydration
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be on medical leave until August 29 on the advice of his doctors, his office said, after he appeared to faint while delivering a televised speech to the nation.
When he returned about an hour and 20 minutes later, the crowd in the packed auditorium gave him a standing ovation and thousands of well-wishers expressed relief on social media.
“Thank you for waiting for me. I gave everybody a scare,” said Lee, who has been in power since 2004.
He said he fainted during the speech, part of celebrations linked to Singapore’s 51st anniversary as a republic on August 9.
“I think that’s what happened. I’ve never had so many doctors look at me all at once, they think I’m all right. But anyway I’m going to have a full check-up after this.”
On Monday the prime minister’s office said Lee’s illness was brought on by a temporary drop in blood pressure due to prolonged standing, exhaustion and dehydration.
Doctors had confirmed there were no cardiac abnormalities and no stroke, the office said.